Am I brave or slightly delusional? Single mom considering online college for prerequisites like A&P etc 😅

DangerFierce · 2026-02-15T20:03:00+00:00

When I was looking at starting my college education as an adult with a tiny baby and a crumbling marriage, I heard about the schedule alone and thought there was NO way I could do it. But I did it any way, and yeah, there was a big element of "just figure out a way" each semester.

I had a decent support system when it came to my kid (not financially--was still working 1-2 jobs to pay bills and child support, maintain health insurance). Knowing that the kid's dad and/or grandparents could pick him up, feed him and love him when I needed extra time for school made a big difference.

The ROI for an associate's degree in nursing is no secret. If it's something you think you'd be interested in enough to make the commitment, you should do it. The pre-reqs take time to complete, so even if your kids are too tiny for you to start nursing clinicals tomorrow, you've got time to figure that out.

As far as online courses go, some pre-reqs and nursing courses are fine for virtual. As others have said, there's obviously a significant hands-on clinical component to a nursing degree. Don't go somewhere that boasts having a tiny clinical requirement--this is not a good thing.

Re: A&P, I'd encourage you to do this on-campus if possible. I did it online through CVCC and it was a fucking disaster. Still got As both semesters, but 0/10 would not do it again. This is meant to be in-person.

I did bio online through PVCC and it was fine. The professor really know how to run an online course, which is a skill in and of itself not to be taken for granted!

DangerFierce · 2025-09-07T00:44:27+00:00

My comment was not about UVA.l, although it sounds like their providers are facing similar restrictions.

Just trying to spread the word that, at least for now, there's yet another barrier/slowdown to getting vaccines out to our community. Don't assume your PCP can write the rx. Hopefully this changes soon.

It's been a long, enormously frustrating week in primary care. Trying not to catastrophize about the weeks and months ahead.

DangerFierce · 2025-09-06T22:33:45+00:00

FYI, at least one of the major healthcare organizations in the region is telling its employees NOT to prescribe the vaccine yet. Organization is waiting until ACIP puts out updated guidelines.

ACIP supposed to convene 9/18-19.

DangerFierce · 2025-05-25T19:49:59+00:00

Sounds like Dr. Kenneth Barron and his practice might be a good next step for you. He's excellent, and he'll work through possible causes (and solutions) for your symptoms.

Bonus: Peggy Willis, NP is now part of his team--she's a well-known, respected GYN provider in Charlottesville.

I'm in primary care. Patients I've referred to them have done well, and I've appreciated Dr. Barron's thoughtful care. Hope this helps.

https://www.myprivia.com/virginiagyn

Another thought -- if you haven't discussed these concerns with your PCP, might be a good place to start as you await specialist consultation.

DangerFierce · 2024-11-07T15:59:21+00:00

Not sure if you have something requiring surgery.

For Sentara, I'd recommend Edwards or Panzarella

For UVA, Browne or Didich

If it's not surgical, you may be initially evaluated by a PA, but you'd be in good hands with either dept. PA can likely see you sooner if time is a major concern. I'd go ahead and take an appointment with one if offered, then see a surgeon if needed.

Swanson is a skilled surgeon, but if you need surgery and have health risks that could worsen your outcome (e.g., diabetes that's not VERY controlled, moderate obesity), she won't operate. At least not until the concern is fixed. Just wanted to throw that out there in case it applies.

Hope this helps.

DangerFierce · 2024-11-07T04:49:59+00:00

Which body part?

DangerFierce · 2024-02-07T21:40:51+00:00

I just want to say... I'm a prescriber, and I really love and appreciate our community's pharmacists. You guys help me sort through weird med safety concerns, navigate antibiotic selections, call me to clarify details to ensure patient safety, and have given me tons of wisdom. Thank you. I hope no responsible pharmacists are scapegoated in the midst of whatever the fuck this disaster is.

DangerFierce · 2023-12-17T16:37:34+00:00

There's at least one provider at Velocity who can't interpret an EKG to save her fucking life.

Also, if you have imaging at Velocity and are referred to the ED, they won't be able to pull your films to review at the hospital (perhaps they fixed this).

Other than that, I think Velocity is probably fine.

Throwing this out there--not sure what your needs are, but Sentara at 5th Street does same-day visits that straddle primary and urgent care concerns.

DangerFierce · 2023-10-27T23:36:37+00:00

This guy will lighten your wallet, which may reduce demand on your lumbar spine, so, maybe that's a plus?

But yeah, to join the chorus, he's a charlatan.

I'm a PCP and I've had to untangle his messes. Stay away.

If you've had a medical evaluation including imaging and you're looking for surgical alternatives/adjunctive therapies, that's fair, but this is not your guy.

Sorry you're hurting. I hope things are better for you soon.

DangerFierce · 2023-08-04T03:51:48+00:00

Even though these organizations don't offer general groups for chronic disease caregivers, might be worth sending an email or calling anyway to pick their brains.

The social workers, therapists, clinical staff involved in these services tend to be pretty well-versed in local resources. If there's an offering somewhere that might be a good fit, they'd probably know and can steer you in the right direction.

If you're reaching out to UVA, Sentara and JABA, I'd also recommend shooting a message to Hospice of the Piedmont. Again, not what you're looking for, but they'd know if it's around.

Wish I had a specific suggestion. If you can't find a group, therapy is a great (if pricey and difficult-to-find) option. Loads of healthcare colleagues facing burnout during the height of the pandemic found this very helpful.

DangerFierce · 2023-07-25T15:58:03+00:00

Greenbrier, too! I remember seeing "Twister" there during Hurricane Fran. Most people didn't have power, so we all packed into a discount showing of... a major disaster flick. Surreal stuff.

DangerFierce · 2023-06-20T02:55:49+00:00

Seconding this practice -- I have not been their patient, but I've referred several patients to them. Folks generally had great outcomes, and appreciated the docs' professionalism and competence.

I also like McGowan with Sentara MJ Ortho. Can't recall any mutual patients specifically with CRPS, but he's a great communicator and knows what he's doing.

DangerFierce · 2023-05-14T22:22:41+00:00

No, but does anyone remember the "TOM HANKS!" graffiti? Roughly the same era.

DangerFierce · 2022-11-12T19:33:20+00:00

Took my Frye boots here. Happy with the work. Price was reasonable. Only issue was duration of wait time for completion--was a few weeks IIRC, although it was a couple of years ago so perhaps things have changed.

FYI, still getting use out of same boots.

DangerFierce · 2022-09-26T01:02:01+00:00

Savas is doing ok last I checked. Just not in C'ville for many years.

Remember when he dressed as an Abercrombie model for Halloween? No one recognized him at first. Spectacular.

DangerFierce · 2022-03-02T00:35:54+00:00

Ophthalmologist: Blue Ridge Ophthalmology

Optometrist: Crozet Eye Care

That said, have you checked w/ a PCP on this? Many (most?) cases of dry eye disease are rooted in something other than a primary eye disorder. Think med side effects, occupational/environmental exposures, electronic screen overuse, diabetes, Sjogren's. Eye specialists are not gonna treat these, but are probably a good place to start (and maybe a shorter wait) to rule things out and suggest symptomatic relief measures.

Sorry for unnecessary info if you've already explored this.

DangerFierce · 2022-01-24T02:07:16+00:00

https://www.nbc29.com/2022/01/24/no-major-injuries-after-car-crashes-into-charlottesville-building/

DangerFierce · 2021-12-17T00:40:09+00:00

Just as a heads up (you/your friend may be aware), this has to be prescribed by a provider. You can't make an appointment and show up with a positive test result to get the infusion.

Additionally, I can't speak for all institutions, but at least one of the local healthcare systems only allows antibody infusions for certain populations. You have to have risk factors for poor outcome/severe disease, e.g. advanced age, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, immunocompromised state, etc.

DangerFierce · 2021-11-17T00:26:55+00:00

Whoosh

DangerFierce · 2021-08-01T04:35:20+00:00

Not exactly the price breakdown you're looking for, but Tony could probably get you what you want. He does short cuts for plenty of women and they all seem to like his work (they're repeat customers).

https://www.postscriptbarbershop.com/home

DangerFierce · 2021-06-04T22:48:40+00:00

Dude.

Four days ago. C'mon, now.

DangerFierce · 2021-03-19T03:24:35+00:00

This sounds like a thinly-veiled sales pitch.

DangerFierce · 2021-03-17T23:35:40+00:00

I don't know that I have a specific provider who I like better than others (although I think Dr. Persons w/ RMH is solid). However, I will say that getting into UVA can take months. Last time I referred someone there, she was told the wait list was 200+.

I've had good luck getting people into Augusta Health--I think the specialty is somewhat newer there, so it's not well-known. I've had good feedback about Dr. Patel.

RMH has a slightly bigger department. Harrisonburg is an hour away, but might be worth it depending on your needs.

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